Toby and Julie Bainbridge: Anjou's Honest Vignerons

Toby and Julie Bainbridge are highly respected natural winemakers based in Anjou within the Loire Valley, France. Toby, originally from the UK, and Julie, from the US, met through an agricultural exchange and eventually settled in the beautiful Anjou countryside, driven by a shared passion for sustainable farming and vibrant, unadulterated wines.

Toby gained significant experience working with Loire legends like Didier Chaffardon and, notably, René Mosse. These apprenticeships profoundly influenced their minimalist winemaking philosophy. In 2012, Toby and Julie fully embarked on their own project, establishing their eponymous domaine.

They meticulously farm approximately 8 hectares of vineyards, predominantly in Chavagnes-les-Eaux, on drought-resistant soils rich in calcium. Their viticulture is fully organic, with biodynamic principles also employed. They are known for their hands-on approach, including the use of sheep for natural vineyard management, reflecting a deep respect for the land and biodiversity. This commitment ensures healthy, expressive grapes that are the foundation of their pure wines.

In the cellar, Toby and Julie's approach is one of absolute non-intervention. Grapes are hand-harvested, and fermentations occur spontaneously with native yeasts, without any temperature control, fining, or filtration. Crucially, their wines are made with no added sulfur dioxide at any stage, a hallmark of their commitment to natural winemaking. They produce a range of wines from traditional Loire varieties such as Grolleau, Cabernet Franc, Chenin Blanc, and Gamay, known for their freshness, incredible drinkability, and honest expression of the Anjou terroir. Their wines, often characterized by bright fruit, lively acidity, and a joyful spirit, have gained a dedicated following among natural wine enthusiasts worldwide.